wood Lathe

[Bret4207]

Ditto what Jon said about the Craftsmans. I bought one at auction because it was a double 1" tubing base and I figured I could replace the tubing with solid 1" round stock 6 feet long so I could turn 5 foot peavy handles. What I didn't count on was the bizarre thread sizes on the head stock and the not so hot tailstock that isn't even a Morse taper. Maybe I'll work around it someday, but check this stuff out BEFORE you spend $$$ on it. There is very little standardization in light duty lathes from what I've seen.

 

[JWFilips]

When I got married in 1977...My FIL has a ShopSmith machine in his basement. He used it to do traditional wood working & Cabinetry.
I asked him if he ever turned anything.... He said no, but had all the tools so he set me up to do some woodturning! We learned together! I had some things I needed and made them...he in turn got hooked and turned out a bunch of those big 70's style candle holders for the family !
I continued to use it for tool handles etc until the past. Then my BIL took it to his house and it has set dormant since 1996!

 

[Bret4207]

I've known a couple guys that had Shopsmiths and just adored them. I remember when Shopsmith used to set a booth at a mall or some type of show we went to and the guy would show all the stuff you could do. I always thought they were a quality rig for a multi-use design. They seemed better at some things than others though. I've always been ready to grab one if it popped up at a good price and was well equipped. I've just never run into one when I had the moola.

 

[JonB]

When I started hunting for a Lathe, I came across a few used vintage Shopsmiths. The one or two that was in my price range were missing plenty of parts and such, and had few options included. When I looked at pricing for accessories ($$$ YIKES), I looked the other way...just like most hobby things I guess. Also, I've read on wood working forums (turning section), most serious turners said to avoid the shopsmith if turning was the major use (because of flex), there are better cheaper options.

 

[JWFilips]

It was a do all machine ! I prefer a machine that does one thing well! A stand alone wood lathe is what you need for good turning!

 

[Bret4207]

Agree, a dedicated machine is "more better", but the Shop Smith's have turned out a lot of projects over the decades. If you lack space, they are an option.